Time Period

Story

Paste is a collective word used for cut leaded glass which has faceted to resemble gems or precious stones. “Invented” in the 18th century, paste was used extensively in jewelry and was incorporated into everything from coat buttons to resplendent brooches. Black dot paste is the penultimate form of paste. It is a paste stone with a tiny black dot painted on the underside of the stone – made to resemble the open culet of early diamonds.

This pair of cluster earrings personify what antique past jewelry represents – such refraction and prismatic colors which virtually burst forth with every subtle twist and turn. Each earring of silver is composed of a petal flowerhead of six shaped pastes and a surround of nineteen old mine cut shaped pastes. Every stone is so carefully and beautifully set that the bezel cups the stone tightly and securely. A scalloped silver perimeter and a flat back complete the period earrings. Modern yellow gold ear wires have been added.

SHIPPING

TESTING

Gemologist on staff

Full gemological laboratory on site

All gemstones and diamonds are thoroughly tested

All precious metals are tested

THE FINE PRINT

Due to the nature of antique & vintage jewelry, many diamond and gemstone weights are calculated by measurements, not removed. Actual weights are noted in the item's description. Grading of diamonds and gemstones may vary slightly when removed.

HONESTY

Being as honest as possible about the items we represent for sale is our ultimate goal! Our pricing is industry recognized as fair and equitable with value as the byword.

Measurements: 1 inch (2.5 cm) in total length by 3/4 of an inch (1.9 cm) in width. Weight of 7.3 grams (4.7 dwt) for the pair.

Condition: Excellent; later modern ear wires. Most likely converted from early buttons.

Origin: Possibly English.

Story

Paste is a collective word used for cut leaded glass which has faceted to resemble gems or precious stones. “Invented” in the 18th century, paste was used extensively in jewelry and was incorporated into everything from coat buttons to resplendent brooches. Black dot paste is the penultimate form of paste. It is a paste stone with a tiny black dot painted on the underside of the stone – made to resemble the open culet of early diamonds.

This pair of cluster earrings personify what antique past jewelry represents – such refraction and prismatic colors which virtually burst forth with every subtle twist and turn. Each earring of silver is composed of a petal flowerhead of six shaped pastes and a surround of nineteen old mine cut shaped pastes. Every stone is so carefully and beautifully set that the bezel cups the stone tightly and securely. A scalloped silver perimeter and a flat back complete the period earrings. Modern yellow gold ear wires have been added.